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I look forward to every issue of the New Fillmore. Last month [August 2012] was a great example of the myriad of “seeds” that one can glean from a single issue.

I read the paper from cover to cover, as usual, and as I read, I couldn’t wait to put on my walking shoes and go exploring to see all the things mentioned in the various articles. I know Fillmore well, but there were a number of new or improved restaurants, shops and galleries mentioned that were calling to me. I asked a friend to join me on a “walking tour of Fillmore Street.”

I am a tour guide by profession and passion, so I had fun guiding her down Fillmore and pointing out the new parklet on California Street by Delfina, the Royal Ground Coffeehouse, checking menus at the Tacobar and State Bird Provisions, peeking into the New Chicago Barbershop, and telling the stories that went with each stop (from the New Fillmore, of course).

The best was last: Jerry Ross Barrish’s musical sculptures at the Lush Life Gallery at 1320 Fillmore (through September 30). The exhibition is really magical.

I have so many favorite restaurants (Ten-Ichi, Dino’s, Woodhouse Fish Co., The Grove, La Mediterranee) that we had a difficult time deciding where to eat. We had a superb meal at Curbside Cafe and plan to return soon to try their early prix fixe menu choices. At the end, my friend wanted her own copy of the August issue of the New Fillmore.

Marilyn Straka
On the Level Walking Tours